Communication skills training for oncology professionals Journal Article


Authors: Kissane, D. W.; Bylund, C. L.; Banerjee, S. C.; Bialer, P. A.; Levin, T. T.; Maloney, E. K.; D'Agostino, T. A.
Article Title: Communication skills training for oncology professionals
Abstract: To provide a state-of-the-art review of communication skills training (CST) that will guide the establishment of a universal curriculum for fellows of all cancer specialties undertaking training as oncology professionals today. Extensive literature review including meta-analyses of trials, conceptual models, techniques, and potential curricula provides evidence for the development of an appropriate curriculum and CST approach. Examples from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center CST program are incorporated. A core curriculum embraces CST modules in breaking bad news and discussing unanticipated adverse events, discussing prognosis, reaching a shared treatment decision, responding to difficult emotions, coping with survivorship, running a family meeting, and transitioning to palliative care and end of life. Achievable outcomes are growth in clinician's self-efficacy, uptake of new communication strategies and skills, and transfer of these strategies and skills into the clinic. Outcomes impacting patient satisfaction, improved adaptation, and enhanced quality of life are still lacking. Future communication challenges include genetic risk communication, concepts like watchful waiting, cumulative radiation risk, late effects of treatment, discussing Internet information and unproven therapies, phase I trial enrollment, and working as a multidisciplinary team. Patient benefits, such as increased treatment adherence and enhanced adaptation, need to be demonstrated from CST.
Keywords: review; oncology; adaptive behavior; adaptation, psychological; curriculum; communication; medical oncology; interpersonal communication; meta-analysis as topic; meta analysis (topic)
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical Oncology
Volume: 30
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0732-183X
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology  
Date Published: 2012-01-01
Start Page: 1242
End Page: 1247
Language: English
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2011.39.6184
PUBMED: 22412145
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC3341141
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 2 July 2012" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Philip A Bialer
    40 Bialer
  2. Smita Banerjee
    125 Banerjee
  3. Tomer T Levin
    62 Levin
  4. David W Kissane
    164 Kissane